Nearly $1.3 million in funds awarded for 2025-26 programs
Posted on November 21, 2025 2025News and Events
When you enjoy the sounds of the Lone Tree or Parker Symphony Orchestra, explore dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge, learn about our history from the Highlands Ranch Historical Society, or take in the beauty of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle, you are benefiting directly from Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) funds at work in your community.
In support of these organizations and more, $1,290,475.62 in Tier III, County SCFD funds have been distributed. SCFD-eligible organizations have been awarded 47 project-based grants and 11 grants for general operating support. All recipient organizations will deliver cultural and science programming available to Douglas County citizens.
The organizations awarded SCFD grants bring cultural opportunities to our community that help strengthen the cultural vitality of Douglas County and contribute to a high quality of life.
See a full list of organizations based in Douglas County here.
Recipients of Tier III, County SCFD funds are first evaluated through the SCFD eligibility process. Once eligible, they apply for funding through the formal SCFD grant process. This process ensures that all organizations meet specific criteria, as outlined in the SCFD state statute. At the County level, grants are evaluated by the statutorily required Douglas County Cultural Council, which determines the annual distribution via a funding plan. The funding plan is then sent to and evaluated by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners for certification, after which the funding plans are presented to the SCFD Board of Directors.
Denver Metro area voters created the seven-county SCFD in 1988 to ensure public access to the arts and sciences through public financial support for scientific and cultural organizations. The SCFD was reauthorized by voters in 2016. Each year, SCFD helps fund nearly 300 area organizations via the collection of a 0.1% voter-approved retail sales and use tax. The district-wide tax equates to one cent collected on every $10 spent.
For more information about the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, please visit the SCFD website at www.scfd.org.
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